The Hound of the Baskervilles - Chapter 2: The Curse of the Baskervilles

Introduction

• Dr. James Mortimer brings an old manuscript to Sherlock Holmes.
• Holmes identifies the manuscript as early 18th century.
• Manuscript entrusted by Sir Charles Baskerville, recently deceased.
• Sir Charles was practical and unimaginative but took the manuscript's contents seriously.

Manuscript Contents

• Date: 1742
• Narrative: Origin of the Hound of the Baskervilles.
• Hugo Baskerville: Wild, profane man known for his cruel humor.
• Incident: Hugo kidnapped a yeoman's daughter. She escaped using ivy on the wall.
• Pursuit: Hugo and his friends chased her with hounds. Hugo made a pact with evil to catch her.
• Outcome: Hugo and the girl both found dead. A giant hound was seen tearing at Hugo’s throat.
• Curse: The hound has plagued the Baskerville family since.

Sir Charles Baskerville's Death

• Public Facts: Sir Charles died suddenly, his health had been poor.
• Routine: Nightly walks in the yew alley where his body was found.
• Evidence: Barrymore, the butler, found the body; no signs of violence.
• Post-Mortem: Indicated heart disease; coroner ruled natural causes.
• Heir: Mr. Henry Baskerville, last heard of in America.

Dr. Mortimer's Private Account

• Sir Charles's Beliefs: Deeply affected by the curse, avoided the moor at night.
• Incidents: Mentioned a large black calf (possibly the hound) seen before his death.
• Health: Sir Charles intended to go to London to relieve stress.
• Night of Death: Barrymore sent for Dr. Mortimer immediately.
• Observations: Footprints changed to tiptoeing near the moor gate, body found face down, hands dug into the ground.
• Key Detail: Dr. Mortimer found footprints of a giant hound near the body.

Conclusion

• Dr. Mortimer withheld some information to avoid public superstition.
• He seeks Holmes's help due to the unusual and mysterious nature of the case.